A week after Stockton police announced a massive gang sweep called Operation White Noise, another homicide suspect has been arrested in connection with the investigation.
A 16-year-old was booked on homicide charges in connection with a pair of killings on Memorial Day. He is accused of being an accomplice with Devontae Holmes, a 19-year-old who was arrested June 13.
The 16-year-old, whose name was withheld because of his age, was arrested Friday by Stockton police and a U.S. Marshals task force. He was booked into San Joaquin County Juvenile Hall in connection with the shooting deaths of Jessie Hilliard Jr., 19, and Antwane Perkins, 27, both of Stockton.
Hilliard and Perkins were found dead about 4:45 p.m. May 26 in the 300 block of south San Joaquin Street after a report of gunfire in the area prompted a police response.
The teen is the fourth homicide suspect swept up as part of Operation White Noise, a months-long, multiagency investigation aimed at combating gang violence. The sweep was directed at busting up what officers described as a “violent criminal network involved in homicides, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other serious crimes affecting the safety and well-being of our residents.”
The operation netted 21 suspects and resulted in the confiscation of 22 guns, authorities said.
When the operation was announced, Police Chief Stanley McFadden said the campaign is “a victory (that) belongs not only to law enforcement but also to every vigilant member of our community who has supported us.”
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